Nigel Barker on Directing Katrina Bowden for Jordache: "Just the Right Amount of Sexy"
Nigel Barker may be one of the busiest men on the planet! The America's Next Top Model judge and famous photographer added director to his impressive resume when he directed the newest commercial for iconic brand Jordache. The commercial, which was shot in Brooklyn, NY, stars 30 Rock's Katrina Bowden in a series of timeless looks.
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Nigel spoke exclusively to OK! about the brand, the commercial and what's next for him!
What was it like directing the commercial?
An absolute blast — when I was handed the original creative project of a walk down memory lane highlighting four decades of Jordache heritage, I knew we were in for some fun with dollops of nostalgia! My job started with turning the basic concept into a storyboard idea that I can communicate not only to the lovely Katrina Bowden but also to my crew and editors. No easy task when you try to accomplish 40 years in 30 seconds!
What was it like working with Katrina? You've shot so many models and actresses in your career — how does she compare?
We started our search for our all-American girl and needed someone who could pull off a 70's Farah Fawcett hairdo, the '80s Frizz, the '90s Clueless look and also be a modern beauty for the contemporary era. Not an easy job, but I saw all that in Katrina and made a beeline for her. Katrina has the ability to be just the right amount of sexy and flirty combined with sense of humor that makes it all come together. I have indeed worked with a wide range of actresses and models, and a sign of a true star is when she can morph into the role without requiring massive amounts of hand-holding and cheerleading. Katrina effortlessly took direction and gave us all that Jordache feeling.
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Do you have any memories of Jordache from back in the day?
Having spent many vacations as a child visiting the States in the '70s and '80s, I was absolutely familiar with the Jordache brand. In fact, the first thing I did when they asked me to direct the commercial was close my eyes and drift back to my memories of those iconic Jordache commercials with singing, dancing and lots of close-ups of tight jeans on perfect butts.
How did it feel to direct their first commercial in 20 years?
It was an honor to be asked to direct such an iconic brand. We spent a lot of time on YouTube researching every spot they did over the years, and it really helped us find the inspiration to turn this concept into a reality.
What's next for you?
Well, as ever, I am in the midst of Top Model mania. Cycle 17 premieres on September 14, and we start taping Cycle 18 on September 29! Also, I have my second documentary about Haiti premiering at Art Basel in Miami in December. And I have a several new photography books and a cookbook in the works — so watch out!
You can catch Nigel on America's Next Top Model, which airs Wednesdays on the CW starting Sept. 14, and you can see the Jordache commercial starting this fall.
